In-Laws, Outlaws, and Granny Flats - by Michael Litchfield (Paperback)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

Create a second home under your own roof--whether for family, income, or independence.

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)--also known as in-law suites, granny flats, or backyard cottages--are transforming how families live, age, and thrive together. This comprehensive guide shows you how to turn one house into two homes with smart design, practical planning, and real-life inspiration.

From attic and basement conversions to garage makeovers and backyard builds, this book explores every type of second-unit solution. With over 200 color photographs and 50 floor plans, it offers a visual feast of possibilities, plus expert advice on zoning, layout, privacy, and construction.

Whether you're housing aging parents, welcoming adult children, or creating a rental for extra income, this book helps you design a space that's functional, beautiful, and emotionally rewarding. Written in a warm, accessible voice by a veteran home design expert, it's the go-to resource for anyone ready to make their home work harder--and live better.

Includes:

• Step-by-Step Planning Guides: Covers the entire process of adding an accessory dwelling unit (ADU), from initial planning to final touches.
• Legal & Zoning Insights: Explains essential regulations, permits, and zoning considerations to keep your project compliant.
• Cost-Effective Solutions: Offers budget-friendly design tips and materials to maximize space and minimize costs.
• Flexible Designs for Any Home: Features adaptable layouts and design inspirations to suit any style or household need.
• Eco-Friendly & Sustainable Tips: Includes advice on green building materials and energy-saving practices for a more sustainable space.

Review Quotes

Over the past 39 years, Michael Litchfield...has written nine books on the design, construction and renovation of houses, including one on remodeling that runs more than 600 pages, and he writes the Cozy Digz blog for "Fine Homebuilding" magazine, of which he was a founding editor. Clearly, Litchfield is an expert. But as he demonstrates in his latest book, "In-laws, Outlaws, and Granny Flats: Your Guide to Turning One House into Two Homes" (Taunton, $25), he still remembers the befuddled perspective of a beginner. He has tailored his message accordingly, with lots of information [and] no jargon....At the heart of the book are 30 examples of in-law units, technically known as accessory dwelling units or ADUs. Litchfield divides these into six approaches: going up (converting the attic); going down (converting or excavating to create a basement); carving up (reconfiguring the space within the existing building envelope); bumping out (adding an addition); converting the garage; and building a separate unit on your property...The units described in the book range in size from about 250 to 750 square feet--from tiny to merely small. Nonetheless, the designers have managed not only to include the necessities--kitchen, bathroom, and living and sleeping areas--but to do so with an inventiveness that can make the spaces look and feel twice as big. --Katherine Salant, "The Washington Post"

A new book, "In-Laws, Outlaws and Granny Flats," by Michael Litchfield, explains in detail how to turn one house into two homes. The author uses dozens of floor plans and hundreds of striking photos to illustrate the process. For all parties concerned, such transformations, can result in "more lifestyle options, greater economic security and deeper personal satisfaction," Mr. Litchfield writes. A terrific resource."--The Wall Street Journal
"

This book is chock full of very practical tips, great advice, and plenty of real world examples. Because in-laws, converted garages and gue